Liz Weston

Friday’s need-to-know money news

November 22, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: What is a wealth tax and how does it work? Also in the news: Capital One rewards will soon be redeemable on Amazon.com, are TV’s really a good deal on Black Friday, and ways to avoid taking this season’s holiday debt into the next.

What Is a Wealth Tax and How Does It Work?
Looking at the difference between a person’s assets and liabilities.

Capital One Rewards Will Soon Be Redeemable Via Amazon.com
Just in time for the holidays.

Are TVs really a good deal on Black Friday?
Go big or stay home.

Ways To Avoid Taking This Season’s Holiday Debt Into The New Year
A few ways to save.

Thursday’s need-to-know money news

November 21, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 financial tasks you should tackle by year-end. Also in the news: 5 tips to make your $75 fill-up hurt less, 5 best alternatives to traditional savings accounts, how to handle buying and selling a home at the same time.

5 Financial Tasks You Should Tackle by Year-End
The end of the year is a good time to handle a few items that will head off issues for your heirs.

5 Tips to Make Your $75 Fill-Up Hurt Less
Give your mpg a boost.

5 Best Alternatives to Traditional Savings Accounts
Saving outside the box.

How To Handle Buying and Selling a Home at the Same Time
While maintaining your sanity.

Wednesday’s need-to-know money news

November 20, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: 5 great hotels to book for New Year’s with points and miles. Also in the news: Why you shouldn’t open your Roth IRA at a bank, one credit score factor to check twice during the holidays, and how much you should contribute to your FSA.

5 Great Hotels to Book for New Year’s With Points and Miles
Ring in the new year for less.

Why You Shouldn’t Open Your Roth IRA at a Bank
A broker gives you more options.

One Credit Score Factor to Check Twice During the Holidays
Your credit utilization ratio matters.

How Much Should You Contribute to Your FSA?
Covering your out-of-pocket costs.

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

November 19, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Employers who chip in on your student loans. Also in the news: Six unexpected things you can find on sale on Black Friday, how to sign up for ACA health insurance for 2020, and spending tips for millennials can help anyone who would like to survive the holidays without debt.

These Employers Chip in on Your Student Loans
One of the best perks.

Six unexpected things you can find on sale on Black Friday
Look for travel deals.

How to Sign Up for ACA Health Insurance for 2020
It’s open enrollment time.

Spending tips for millennials can help anyone who would like to survive the holidays without debt
Win the holidays without going broke.

5 financial tasks you should tackle by year-end

November 19, 2019 By Liz Weston

A task without a deadline is just wishful thinking.

Sometimes, you can get away with procrastinating. If you never get around to alphabetizing your spices, no one’s life will change. But putting off some tasks could have a huge impact on loved ones.

The close of the year is a good time to set some firm deadlines to make sure you won’t leave a financial mess for people you love if you unexpectedly die or become incapacitated. In my latest for the Associated Press, consider putting these items on your to-do list with a Dec. 31 due date.

Monday’s need-to-know money news

November 18, 2019 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to find your financial footing after losing your job. Also in the news: A new SmartMoney podcast episode on Black Friday, apps to help with your holiday shopping, and how not to get phished when shopping online.

You Lost Your Job? Here’s How to Find Your Financial Footing
Bouncing back.

SmartMoney Podcast: ‘Does Black Friday Live Up to the Hype?’
Are the crazy lines worth it?

Apps to help with your holiday shopping
From lists to discounts.

How to Not Get Phished When Shopping Online
Scams are increasingly sophisticated.